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Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves

Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves

The Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves, in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, contain some of the best and most extensive examples of Atlantic forest in Brazil. The 25 protected areas that make up the site (some 470,000 ha in total) display the biological wealth and evolutionary history of the last remaining Atlantic forests. From mountains covered by dense forests, down to wetlands, coastal islands with isolated mountains and dunes, the area comprises a rich natural environment of great scenic beauty.

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief description

The Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves are located in the Brazilian states of Paraná and São Paulo and extend over nearly 470,000 hectares, representing one of the largest and best-preserved domains of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and one of the most threatened biomes of the world. The protected areas that constitute the site contain great biological wealth and are a good illustration of the evolution of the rare remnants of Atlantic Forest of South-eastern Brazil. The region, which has a large number of rare and endemic species, is exceptionally varied. The site also has an exceptional aesthetic interest, with its altitudinal gradient ranging from mountains to the sea, its estuary, wild rivers, coastal islands, numerous waterfalls and karst phenomena.

The site is part of the Serra do Mar domain and extends across the adjacent coastal plain, which includes the estuarine complex of Iguape-Cananéia-Paranaguá. This range of habitats, from the summits of mountain ranges to vast stretches of deserted beaches, guarantees its great diversity. However, it is all of these ecosystems and landscapes that express the uniqueness of the region.

Criterion (vii): The site represents one of one of the largest continuous areas of exuberant Brazilian Atlantic Forest connected with coastal ecosystems. From mountains covered by dense forests with an abundance of orchids and bromeliads to coastal islands and estuaries with a wealth of vast mangroves, the property offers a natural environment of great beauty with tremendous terrestrial and marine biodiversity. More than 300 caves (including the Casa de Pedra Cave which has the largest portico in the world at 215 meters high, and Santana Cave which is one of the most highly decorated), the rugged mountains and breathtaking coastal scenery, contribute to the exceptional aesthetic interest of the region.

Criterion (ix): Historically partly isolated, the Atlantic Forest has evolved into a complex biome with a multitude of endemic species, comprising around 70% of the tree species, 85% of the primates and 39% of the mammals. As the most important ecological corridor of the Atlantic Forest, the site represents the best guarantee for the sustainability of the ongoing evolution of the biome and its associated marine and coastal ecosystems.

Criterion (x): The flora and fauna are extremely diverse and very rich. The flora is among the most diverse in the world, and in some areas one can encounter over 450 species of trees per hectare. As for mammals, they number 120 species, probably the largest in Brazil. Amongst the flagship species are the jaguar, ocelot and the bush dog (Speothos venaticus). The property is rich in primates, some of which are highly endangered, such as the woolly spider monkey (Brachyteles arachnoides), the largest primate in the Americas, and the little “black-faced lion” monkey (Leontopithecus caissara), recorded only in 1990 and endemic to the region. The avifauna is very diverse with 350 species recorded, including the blue-cheeked Amazon (Amazona brasiliensis), classified vulnerable. The scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber), a large bird with bright red plumage, is a local symbol.

Integrity

The area includes one of the most extensive and best-preserved continuous remnants of the Atlantic Forest, still barely affected by the process of fragmentation, one of the greatest threats to the biome. Fortunately, access difficulties, due to its geographical characteristics associating rugged mountains and deep valleys with extensive wetlands, contribute to its conservation. This compensates for the fact that of the 25 protected areas comprising the property, 12 cover less than 5,000 hectares each. However, it is important to continue intensive management so that corridors and effective buffer zones are maintained. The components of the property are also located within a much broader region forming the Mata Atlântica Biosphere Reserve. This buffer zone is protected by federal law and functions as an important corridor. A federal programme for the protection of the Atlantic Forest is in place to bring together the different management authorities.

This region has the oldest traces of colonization of Brazil and is located near two major cities of the country, São Paulo and Curitiba. Although there is strong pressure from real estate speculation in this coastal region, human impact on the environment is minimal. The presence of indigenous peoples and other traditional groups such as "quilombolas" (communities formed by descendants of former slaves) and "Caiçaras" (coastal communities) and their production systems have low impact.

Protection and management requirements

Conservation structures that manage the site are attached to the State bodies responsible for the environment: the Environmental Institute of Paraná (IAP) and the Foundation for the Conservation and Forest Production of the State of São Paulo (Forest Foundation). The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), an autonomous federal agency under the Ministry of Environment, is responsible for the areas under federal management. These institutions conduct public policies related to natural heritage protection, sustainable use of natural resources, research and knowledge management, environmental education and promotion of ecological management. Given the wide range of responsible management bodies for the property, it is important that a good coordination system between the various organs and the states concerned is ensured.

The main threats are habitat fragmentation by roads, power lines and urbanization. There were no roads in the 1960s and nor even in the 70s, and the small roads that were built later are no longer suitable for today's needs, including freight transport. Construction projects or road widening generate problems of increased fragmentation, disturbance, penetration corridors for certain invasive species, and reduced natural connectivity. Because the property is already composed of remnants of Atlantic Forest areas, it is becoming increasingly urgent to integrate the development of the buffer zone with the conservation of the property itself.

Brazilian environmental policy stimulates community participation of organized civil society, public and private entities, by providing advice for the management of protected areas. Integrated management of protected areas in the region is also ensured through a mosaic of protected areas of the south coast of São Paulo and the coast of Paraná (Lagamar mosaic). Since the inscription of the property in 1999, several new protected areas were created and others, pre-existing, were enlarged. The "mosaic of protected areas" system that was introduced into the legislation in 2002 is very positive. Given the development in this area, it would be possible to revisit this property to incorporate all the recent improvements in the conservation policy and also to consider the possibilities of extensions of the area of the property.

In both States, Paraná and São Paulo, there are financial incentives for municipalities that have protected areas in their territory, thus strengthening local interest in conservation areas.